The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile has confirmed an unusual but significant adjustment ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, with the opening practice session (FP1) extended to 90 minutes. The change comes as Formula 1 prepares to resume after an extended and unexpected break in the 2026 calendar.
Following cancellations of both the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, teams have been left without competitive running for several weeks. The last race took place at the Japanese Grand Prix, creating a lengthy gap that has disrupted momentum early in the season. As a result, the Miami weekend carries added importance, effectively serving as a reset point for teams and drivers alike.
In response to these unusual circumstances, the FIA has opted to extend the only practice session of the sprint weekend. Traditionally, FP1 lasts for 60 minutes, but in Miami it will now run for an additional half hour. This adjustment is designed to give teams more track time to evaluate performance, fine-tune setups, and reacquaint themselves with race conditions after the prolonged downtime.
The decision was made following discussions between the FIA, teams, and other stakeholders. One of the key motivations behind the extension is the limited practice opportunity available during sprint race weekends. Unlike standard race formats, which feature three practice sessions, sprint weekends allow just a single session before competitive action begins. That condensed structure leaves little room for experimentation or recovery if teams encounter issues early on.
By increasing FP1 to 90 minutes, teams are afforded a more meaningful window to gather data and better understand their cars. This is particularly important given the recent regulatory adjustments introduced for the 2026 season. With teams still adapting to technical changes, the additional track time could play a crucial role in optimizing performance before the pressure of sprint qualifying begins.
The Miami Grand Prix will follow the sprint format, meaning the schedule is packed with competitive sessions across all three days. Practice takes place on Friday, followed later the same day by sprint qualifying, which determines the grid for Saturday’s sprint race. Saturday itself features both the sprint race and the traditional qualifying session that sets the lineup for Sunday’s main event. The weekend then concludes with the Grand Prix on Sunday.
This structure intensifies the importance of preparation, as teams must quickly transition from data collection to competitive execution. Any mistakes or misjudgments during the limited practice time can have immediate consequences. Therefore, the FIA’s decision to extend FP1 is widely seen as a practical step to balance the demands of the sprint format with the challenges posed by the disrupted early season.
From a competitive standpoint, the extra 30 minutes could make a noticeable difference. Teams will be able to run more laps, test different setups, and gather additional tire and performance data. For drivers, it offers a better opportunity to regain rhythm and confidence after the unexpected hiatus.
Ultimately, while the change may appear minor on paper, it reflects a broader effort by the FIA to maintain fairness and competitiveness under unusual circumstances. With the season finally resuming in Miami, all eyes will be on how teams utilize the extended session—and whether it translates into a more prepared and closely contested weekend on track.
